Thai Authorities to Arrest Webmaster for Lese Majeste

A file photo shows a Thai well-wisher holding up a picture of King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, 06 October 2014. A military court issued an arrest warrant for the webmaster of a Thai news website that posted a forged royal statement concerning King Bhumibol Adulyadej. EPA/NARONG SANGNAK

BANGKOK (DPA) — A military court issued an arrest warrant for the webmaster of a Thai news website that posted a forged royal statement concerning King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Niran Yaowapha will be charged with lese majeste and violating the Computer Crime Act.

The webmaster posted the letter on ASTV Manager site on Monday, and took it down after determining that it was fake.

The statement falsely presented as coming from the Royal Household Bureau concerning the king's health was widely circulated online on Monday.

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Police also arrested a 26-year-old man who shared the forged statement on social media Wednesday.

It was not yet clear who created the document.

The monarchy is a revered institution in Thailand and the charge of lese majeste carries penalties up to 15 years in prison.

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